Blue Jays may have their next reclamation project with Richardson

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson. Jaiden Tripi-Imagn Images

Blue Jays may have their next reclamation project with Simeon Woods Richardson

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 4:45 PM ET

After clearing waivers, pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson has been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo. This provides the Toronto Blue Jays an opportunity to stretch him out in the minors and utilize him in the starting rotation as a spot starter.

While the Blue Jays need to go after a high-leverage arm ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Richardson provides them with an arm that can be thrown into the rotation sooner rather than later.

The Blue Jays' most consistent arms in the rotation have been Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage, the latter of which is coming off his strongest performance yet in the Blue Jays' 2-1 victory over the New York Mets on Monday.

While Shane Bieber was much better in his second start, Kevin Gausman has struggled in his last two starts but is likely to regain his dominance. Nevertheless, with Max Scherzer still on the IL and Patrick Corbin's recent struggles, the Blue Jays would benefit by adding Richardson to the rotation.

Simeon Woods Richardson has cleared waivers and been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Good outcome for the #BlueJays, who could now have some time to stretch Woods Richardson back out as a true starter.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) June 30, 2026

Why Simeon Woods Richardson could be the answer to the Blue Jays' rotation struggles

The Blue Jays would be wise to move Corbin to the bullpen, as he has significantly regressed, compiling a 6.16 ERA across his last seven games. Corbin would provide the Blue Jays bullpen with a long-reliever pitching in lower-leverage situations, and they could transition Richardson to the rotation to pitch as a bulk reliever.

The 25 year old has shown upside and would pitch well in combination with Spencer Miles, who has been another solid depth piece for the Blue Jays this season. Richardson was initially acquired from the Minnesota Twins and made three relief appearances, recording 10 scoreless innings. While he logged a 0.00 ERA, he struggled with walks (7), and that placed him in jams.

He was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on June 26, and the move certainly surprised fans. But he is back in the system and provides the Blue Jays with a much-needed depth piece. Richardson has shown potential to handle higher-leverage situations, and if he can work on his command in the minors, he would be able to eat up innings for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have had to lean heavily on the bullpen, overworking their relievers as starters have struggled pitching deep into games. Overall, Richardson is a viable option they should explore in the rotation as they push to remain in contention in the AL East this season.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: